It’s getting HOT here in Austin and pre-season practice is right around the corner. That means intense exercise in intense heat – not the best combination for a developing body!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat illness during practice or competition is a leading cause of disability among U.S. high school athletes.
Don’t let your child be sidelined by an injury before the season starts! Remember that heat-related conditions are preventable. Follow these tips to help reduce your child’s risk of heat cramps, ACL tear, stress fractures and other common pediatric orthopedic injuries:
Hydrate!
Believe it or not staying hydrated will not only help your body cope with the heat better, but also reduce your risk of orthopedic injury. Muscle cramps, weakness and even collapse are signs that the body is overheating. Football players are especially susceptible to heat related muscle cramps because of their pads and heavy equipment. Keeping hydrated will help your child perform at their best.
Take Rest
Rest breaks are important for your heart, especially in the heat! Allowing the body to cool and refresh is also important to reducing the risk of orthopedic injury. Why? We commonly overcompensate or modify a movement when we are tired, especially when we’re exhausted. Sometimes we call this “muscling” through. This can lead to injury, especially in the weight room or during quick movements on the field.
Stretch
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times. Stretch, stretch, stretch! Make sure your child is stretching before and after exercise. Increased flexibility and range of motion is critical in reducing the risk of injury no matter the temperature outside. Although your child may be hot and tired after practice, encourage him or her to stretch in the shade (if possible) and again before bed.
As pre-season starts again here in Central Texas help your child to prepare for their best season yet! If your child complains of any pain or you see swelling, redness or reduced range of motion, give us a call. We specialize in a wide range of pediatric orthopedic conditions and see a significant number of student athletes. We can help your athlete get back to the sport they love healthier, stronger and quicker!
Give us a call at 512-478-8116.